Among the 10 bills the SGA passed Wednesday night, two issues that were narrowly approved by the governing body sparked hours of debate: a bill opposing use of the SAT as an admissions factor and one supporting university intervention in a four-week workers’ strike against sub-contractors building Oakland Hall.
In the more than four-hour session, the Student Government Association unanimously approved a slew of resolutions with little to no debate. The SAT resolution was by far the most contentious issue and was approved by the smallest margin of the night — a mere two votes, with 17 supporting opposition of the SAT and 15 against it.
SAT requirement
“This bill is only as important as the body decides to make it,” said arts and humanities legislator Kenton Stalder, who sponsored the bill. “Now, when I go to an administrator, they have to listen to me, and they can’t just shove me out of their offices.”
Those opposed were concerned that eliminating the standardized test as a consideration in gaining entrance to the university would further strain an already clogged admissions office and eliminate the only factor that has a standard measure across the board, including home-schooled and international students who are often graded on different scales.
“If we stop using the SAT in admissions decisions, we will be increasing the number of applicants and decreasing the number of rubrics [admissions officers] have to make their decisions,” said Marcella Morris, behavioral and social sciences legislator, who voted against the bill. “No test is perfect, but multiple choice standardized tests are prevalent in college.”
Admission officials have said they have no plans to eliminate the SAT as an admissions factor, regardless of SGA action.
Clark Construction strikes
Workers for Wings Enterprises Inc., a subcontractor for Clark Construction, has begun pursuing legal action against the company regarding breach of contract. It has already negotiated health insurance as a result of the strike.
“The workers were denied things that were outlined in their contract,” outlying commuter legislator Anton Medvedev, the bill’s sponsor, said. “We need to make sure the workers’ contracts are honored.”
Most who voted against the bill cited concerns regarding the costs associated with siding with striking workers.
“It’s the university’s job to negotiate the best contracts possible, and we obviously want to come to a conclusion, but supporting strikes is dangerous,” said freshman legislator Zach Cohen, one of the 13 members who voted against the bill. “Ultimately, the least money is the best money.”
Presidential search
The final piece of legislation discussed, which outlined the characteristics the SGA would like to see in the next president and supported the ideas expressed by more than 60 faculty members in a letter to the presidential search committee, passed unanimously and without debate.
Among the preferences outlined in the bill, the SGA expressed that it would like to see a president who “embraces the contributions of all disciplines and recognizes the importance of the liberal arts, the humanities, and humanistic social sciences as well as the sciences and engineering.”
Purple Line alignment
Although the SGA took a definitive stance on the Purple Line alignment two years ago under former SGA President Andrew Friedson, the organization reissued their preference for a Campus Drive alignment Wednesday.
“Students support this alignment, and they don’t support stalling,” Joanna Calabrese, director of environmental affairs said, noting the SGA decided to reissue its position to remind administrators and Maryland Transit Administration officials of their stance. “That this will improve the quality of life and concerns can be easily accommodated.”
No official alignment has been declared.
Credit for veteran training
The American Council on Education suggests veterans be granted certain credits for their training and service — in the same way that Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests can get students credits. The SGA unanimously voted to support this recommendation as a means of urging the administration to grant student veterans these credits toward a degree.
Energy efficiency loan program
In a unanimous vote, the SGA voted to support the implementation of a loan program that would be granted to city residents interested in making sustainable improvements to their homes. It has garnered support from many environmental student groups.
“In order for the loan program to take place, the [Prince George’s County Council] has to pass a tax code to give the [College Park City Council] jurisdiction to manipulate the tax code,” agriculture legislator Jesse Yurow said. “In passing this bill, the SGA is sending a message to the city council they support this measure.”
The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act
The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act is a federal proposal that, according to the resolution, encourages charities to give money to Greek organizations for installations including sprinklers, smoke detectors and alarm systems. The SGA threw its support behind the act, and hopes to lobby the state congressional delegation to support it.
Route 1 crosswalks
The SGA passed a resolution in favor of increasing the timing of crosswalks on Route 1.
The timing of these crosswalks were already increased due to the Off-Campus Safety Walk held in October. The event gathered student concerns beforehand, taking them to university administrators, local officials and Prince George’s County Police. This resulted in the MTA increasing the timing on crosswalks by nine seconds.
hemmati@umdbk.com
